A+E Interactive » Kelly Clarksonhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei
Bay Area Arts and Entertainment BlogFri, 13 Feb 2015 21:27:43 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1TV press tour: “The Voice” welcomes Kelly Clarksonhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2012/01/06/tv-press-tour-the-voice-welcomes-kelly-clarkson/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2012/01/06/tv-press-tour-the-voice-welcomes-kelly-clarkson/#commentsSat, 07 Jan 2012 04:10:35 +0000Chuck Barneyhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=23541“The Voice” may never generate the humongous ratings of “American Idol,” but now it has one of its most famous graduates. Kelly Clarkson, the first “Idol” champ, is joining the NBC reality show as a guest adviser this season. She’ll… Continue Reading →]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2012/01/06/tv-press-tour-the-voice-welcomes-kelly-clarkson/feed/19“American Idol” finale set; Who will take the crown?http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2011/05/19/american-idol-finale-set-who-will-take-the-crown/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2011/05/19/american-idol-finale-set-who-will-take-the-crown/#commentsFri, 20 May 2011 05:05:53 +0000Chuck Barneyhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=21724The “American Idol” finale is now all set for next week at the Nokia Theater in L.A., but they might as well move it to the Grand Ole Opry. But will it make for good TV? Typically, the best and most… Continue Reading →]]>

But by sending charismatic rocker James Durbin and bluesy growler Reinhart home the past two weeks, "Idol" voters sealed the deal for a finale featuring a pair of callow Southern, aw-shucks teens who lean toward the same genre. Heck, even Donny and Marie knew that the best musical blend is one that mixes a little bit country with a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.

Haley’s ouster brought to an end one of the most stirring late-season surges "Idol" has seen in recent years. Early on, the Illinois native was consistently overlooked, drawing more shoulder shrugs than votes. She found herself in the Bottom 3 several times.

Somehow she managed to stick around and, in recent weeks, she really found her groove, even if the show’s maddeningly inconsistent judges sometimes failed to acknowledge her progress.

Still, they just couldn’t ignore her powerful rendition of "The House of the Rising Sun" two weeks ago (Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler gave her a standing ovation). And they were impressed again this week when Haley hit home runs with Fleetwood Mac’s "Rhiannon" and Led Zeppelin’s "What Is and What Should Never Be

Apparently, it was too little too late (or just didn’t have enough twang). After getting word of her elimination from host Ryan Seacrest, Haley, 20, blew kisses to the audience and maintained a positive demeanor.

"This is the biggest platform anybody can ask for," she said. "I rocked it out and I had a blast. This is just the beginning."

Then she launched into a blistering exit performance of "Bennie and the Jets" that might have had some viewers demanding a recount.

The Scotty-Lauren finale underscores once again the considerable hold the South has on "Idol." Scotty, a former grocery store clerk, hails from North Carolina, the home state of Fantasia. Lauren is from Georgia.

Six "Idol" winners have been from the South, including Kelly Clarkson (Texas, Season 1) and Carrie Underwood (Oklahoma, Season 4). Also, a slew of finalists have been from the South, including North Carolinians Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry.

Meanwhile, California, the most populous state and home to the entertainment capital of the world, has yet to produce an "Idol" champ.

The "American Idol" two-part finale airs on Fox next Tuesday and Wednesday. Who do you think will take the title?]]>

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2011/05/19/american-idol-finale-set-who-will-take-the-crown/feed/18“American Idol”: Jasmine, Jorge sent packinghttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2009/03/11/american-idol-jasmine-jorge-sent-packing/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2009/03/11/american-idol-jasmine-jorge-sent-packing/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2009 05:06:01 +0000Chuck Barneyhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=12357“American Idol” announced a new judges veto rule Wednesday night, but it didn’t come into play for Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez, who both got the boot. The new rule — called the “Judges’ Save” — gives Simon Cowell and… Continue Reading →]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2009/03/11/american-idol-jasmine-jorge-sent-packing/feed/18